The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, has announced the appointment of a new director and chairperson to the Combat Poverty Agency. Ms Helen Johnson, the current head of research at the Equality Authority, will take over as director. Ms Johnson was head of research at the agency from 1993 to 2000 and served as acting director for six months in 1998. She has worked with the National Disability Authority and the central community relations unit in Northern Ireland.
Mr Brian Duncan replaces the outgoing chairperson, Ms Anna Lee. Mr Duncan is head of Mercer's Human Capital Practice, and is a former chief executive of Irish Life and VHI.